DNR statement regarding White Bear Lake ruling

Today, Department of Natural Resources Commissioner Tom Landwehr issued this statement about a recent Ramsey County District Court ruling:

“In a ruling on Thursday, March 29, the Ramsey County District Court denied a number of post-trial motions from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) regarding the court’s ruling in August 2017 concerning White Bear Lake’s water level. The DNR is disappointed with this most recent ruling, and the department is thoroughly reviewing it before determining next steps.

The DNR remains strongly committed to working with local communities to protect White Bear Lake, its underlying aquifer, and other precious water resources throughout Minnesota. But responsible, effective water management must be based on sound science and balance the needs of all Minnesota residents and businesses. Toward that end, we are nearing completion of a refined groundwater model for the White Bear Lake area.

That model indicates the court’s residential irrigation ban would do little to raise lake levels. The model is also informing DNR about which wells may be having more of an impact on lake levels than others. As DNR has maintained consistently, this information is essential to informing decisions about what modifications to community and business water use may be warranted.”